Apple tree Delight

Summer residents choose different apple trees for planting, the main thing is that they give an excellent harvest, do not require special skills for care, and do not get sick often. Among the many varieties, the Uslada apple trees are very popular, which belong to the early autumn species.

This variety is the result of many years of work by the Russian breeder Isaev. The variety was bred by crossing several species, from which Severyanka and Narodnoye were obtained. The variety was zoned 25 years ago in the Central region.

The Uslada apple tree is a medium-sized tree growing up to 3-4 meters. The tree has a rounded crown, prone to strong thickening of the branches. As the tree grows and matures, the crown of the tree takes on a more elongated shape. The dessert apple variety is characterized by a powerful root system and compact dimensions, so it will feel comfortable in a small summer cottage.

The Uslada variety has a number of features, thanks to which the tree is very much loved by both amateur gardeners and farmers who grow fruit crops on an industrial scale. The peculiarities of the variety include early maturity, frost resistance, excellent taste, high keeping quality (up to 5-6 months subject to temperature) and a good yield indicator. In addition, the characteristics of the fruit allow their use in the preparation of baby and dietary food.

The disadvantages of the fruit crop include the excessive thickening of the crown, due to which the fruits grow in different shapes and ripen unevenly. You can eliminate the problem of heterogeneity with regular sanitary pruning of the crown.

The apple tree blooms with beautiful and fragrant creamy white flowers in the second half of May. Flowering lasts up to two weeks. Fruiting of an early autumn variety begins at the end of summer and lasts until mid-September. The apples do not crumble, however, it is recommended to harvest the fruits in a timely manner so that they do not overripe, otherwise their keeping quality will be significantly reduced.

The tree begins to bear fruit at 4-5 years of growth and development - the older the apple tree, the better the harvest. The frequency of fruiting is annual. The timing of flowering and the appearance of the first fruits may be shifted due to the climatic characteristics of the region.

This variety quickly adapts to different weather conditions, therefore it grows well in different regions of the country - be it the northern strip and the central one. In addition, the variety is massively grown in Ukraine and Belarus. The apple tree Uslada gives the maximum yield in growing regions with high humidity.

The yield of the variety is very high. More than 80 kg of apples can be harvested from one adult tree during the fruiting period.

Uslada apples are characterized by their small size (the average weight of the fruit is 100 grams), regular round shape with a perfectly smooth surface. Sometimes, due to the thickening of the crown, apples may have a slightly elongated or conical shape, but this does not affect the taste.

The taste of apples is sweet-sour, pronounced, and the aroma is sweet-raspberry. The base yellow-green color is covered with a reddish blush throughout, so the fruit looks unusual.The juiciness of the fruits is high, and the pulp is dense, covered with a strong skin, therefore apples retain their presentation for a long time. White dots are sometimes visible under the skin.

Uslada apples are universal, so they are tasty fresh, as well as in the form of jam, jam, juice, compote. It is worth noting that this apple variety is rich in vitamins, pectins, natural sugars and fiber.

Planting of seedlings is possible in the spring (end of April) or in the fall (October). The distance between the seedlings is 4-5 meters. The selected area is pre-cleared of weeds and old leaves, dug well, which will provide sufficient air permeability, as well as fertilize and moisturize. The soil should be fertile, moderately acidic, well lit and ventilated.

The dessert variety "Delight" belongs to the class of self-fertile, therefore, pollinating trees are required for the formation of ovaries. It is recommended to plant trees with the same flowering period as donor pollinators. The most suitable pollinators are: Grushovka, Orlik, Welsey, Brusnichnoe, Papirovka and President.

The tree needs spring and autumn feeding. In autumn, organic fertilizers (dung, manure) are used, which will ensure the fertility and safety of the tree. In the spring, during the period of bud setting and abundant flowering, mineral fertilizers will be required. In the summer, nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be used.

The frost resistance of the variety is very high, therefore, having survived the winter at stable rates of -20.30 degrees, the tree will bloom and bear fruit well. Before the beginning of winter, it will be necessary to take a number of measures - the bottom of the trunk is insulated with spruce branches, and the branches are treated with solutions that scare off various rodents.

The Uslada apple tree is characterized by an amazing resistance to scab, as well as to numerous types of fungi, diseases and pests. At the same time, prevention of the disease will not hurt. For this, treatment with Bordeaux liquid is suitable, as well as spraying until the buds have not yet bloomed. After the buds have blossomed, an insecticide treatment can be performed. The trunk, branches and near-stem soil are subject to processing.

The Uslada apple tree is massively grown in summer cottages and farmlands, so there are a lot of reviews about the variety. Analyzing them, it can be argued that Delight is incredibly tasty apples with a spicy sour-raspberry flavor that will appeal to both children and adults. The apple tree quickly adapts to different soils, is resistant to heat, cold and moisture, and is also protected from many diseases. Growing such an apple tree will not be difficult even for a novice summer resident, the main thing is not to forget about feeding, watering and pruning.